EuroVelo 5 (EV5), named the Via Romea Francigena, is a 3,900 km (2,400 mi) long EuroVelo long-distance cycling route running from Canterbury to Rome and ending at the Italian port of Brindisi. The route crosses Europe passing successively through six countries: UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, France again, Switzerland and Italy.
EV5 Via Romea Francigena
The EV5 in Kemsley, Kent.
The EV5 between Whitstable and Canterbury, Kent.
The EV5 along the Saar Canal, Lorraine, France.
The Via Francigena is an ancient road and pilgrimage route running from the cathedral city of Canterbury in England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome and then to Apulia, Italy, where there were ports of embarkation for the Holy Land. It was known in Italy as the "Via Francigena" or the "Via Romea Francigena". In medieval times it was an important road and pilgrimage route for those wishing to visit the Holy See and the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Sign showing the path near Ivrea, Italy
Various Via Francigena signposts in Italy
The Via Francigena – in France given the Grande Randonnée route number GR145 – crossing the Massif de Saint Thierry, Champagne
Pilgrims to Rome carved in a relief, Fidenza Cathedral (late twelfth century)
